Fashion With Fangs: Taylor Swift’s Symbolic Serpent Sends Swifties Into Speculation Overdrive
In a masterful display of sartorial symbolism that has become her hallmark, Taylor Swift accepted the prestigious Tour of the Century Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17 with her signature understated elegance—and one calculated accessory that sent her devoted fanbase into a frenzy of speculation and excitement.
Though physically absent from the ceremony, Swift appeared via video message, dressed in what has essentially become her off-duty uniform: a sleek long-sleeve black tee paired with what appeared to be a plaid skirt (though only the waistband was visible in frame), all punctuated by her iconic crimson lip. The ensemble itself was quintessential Swift—polished yet approachable, classic yet distinctly her own.
However, it was the serpentine accessory adorning her neck that immediately commanded attention from the eagle-eyed Swifties who scrutinize her every styling choice with forensic precision. The snake-shaped necklace—instantly recognizable to followers of Swift’s career evolution—appeared to be an ouroboros, the ancient symbol depicting a serpent consuming its own tail, traditionally representing eternal renewal and cyclical transformation.
“TAYLOR WEARING A SNAKE NECKLACE WAS NOT ON MY BINGO CARD TONIGHT,” exclaimed one enthusiastic fan on social media, while another astutely observed, “Taylor’s necklace being a snake biting its own tail aka the ouroboros which is a symbol signifying rebirth and a continuous process where destruction and creation intertwine is soooo interesting, very rep tv of her.”
This calculated accessory choice represents the latest in a series of serpentine references that have become inextricably linked with Swift’s “Reputation” era—fueling intense speculation about the imminent re-release of the album as part of her ongoing project to reclaim her musical catalog. The reptilian motif has been a consistent thread throughout Swift’s recent appearances, from the snake-inspired details on her Gucci gown at the 2024 Golden Globes to the subtle serpentine elements of her black Versace creation at the 2023 VMAs.
These deliberate styling decisions harken back to the Roberto Cavalli snake-embellished jumpsuits that became synonymous with her Reputation Tour—originally known in black and red variations before she unveiled a spectacular gold version—cementing the serpent as a powerful symbol of her artistic renaissance.
While accepting her award for the record-breaking Eras Tour, Swift maintained her characteristic grace, redirecting praise toward her collaborators: “I accept this on behalf of all my tour mates, all my fellow performers, my band, everyone who toured with us, our crew.” Though she couldn’t attend in person, the ceremony featured an exclusive performance of “Mirrorball” from the tour’s opening night in Glendale, Arizona—a poignant choice given that the performance occurred exactly two years prior.
Yet it was that calculated serpentine accessory that dominated post-show discourse—a masterclass in how strategic styling can speak volumes without saying a word. In the evolving visual language of Swift’s career, this latest sartorial statement confirms what her devotees have long suspected: when it comes to controlling her narrative through fashion, Swift knows exactly what she’s doing.
